Google to unveil new Nexus phones, Chromecast and other hardware [Updated]

Updated: Google kicked off its special media event on Tuesday by unveiling updates to its Nexus smartphone line.

The new Android phones are called Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. The 5X will be made by LG, while the 6P will be made by Huawei. The 6P is the larger of the two devices, with a 5.7-inch display. The 5X has a 5.2-inch display. The 5X starts at $379, while the 6P starts at $499. Both are unlocked and will begin shipping in October.

Google’s Sabrina Ellis introduced the Nexus Protect plan that covers damage to the device. It costs $69 alongside the 5X and $89 for the 6P. The plan lets you replace a broken phone with a new one as early as the next business day.

Google also unveiled information about the Android Marshmallow update coming to phones and tablets, previewed at Google’s developer event in May.

Google introduced two new Chromecast devices. The first replaces the existing Chromecast, with improved Wi-Fi. It has a circular design and comes in black, pink and yellow. Chromecast Audio plugs into a home speaker and streams audio through Wi-Fi from cast-enabled apps. Both devices cost $35 and are available now in 17 countries.

The company concluded its presentation with the announcement of the Pixel C tablet. The “C” stands for convertible, as the device combines a tablet and a Bluetooth-enabled keyboard. The keyboard attaches to the back of the tablet, which, in turn, keeps the keyboard charged. The Pixel C comes out in time for the holidays. The tablet costs $499, the keyboard costs $149.

This was Google’s first major media event since the company named Sundar Pichai CEO and announced holding company Alphabet in August.